🛒 dm’s Move into Online Pharmacies
German retailer dm plans to launch an online pharmacy in 2025, focusing on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This initiative aims to address shifts in healthcare brought by digital tools like e-prescriptions and telemedicine. The move was first reported by Lebensmittelpraxis, citing Handelsblatt.
📊 Market Trends and Challenges
Germany's OTC market reached $12B in 2023, with $2.7B from online sales. Traditional pharmacies are struggling, with numbers dropping from 20,000 a decade ago to under 17,300 today. Online competitors like Doc Morris and Shop Apotheke dominate, leveraging convenience and low costs.
💡 Shaping the Future of E-Health
dm’s marketing director, Sebastian Bayer, highlighted the urgency to adapt to e-health trends. With 60% of German GPs set to retire within a decade, digital health tools are critical. dm’s strategy addresses this gap, providing fast delivery and diverse options for shoppers.
🚀 A Vision for Accessible Healthcare
CEO Christoph Werner described health as a “megatrend,” emphasizing its market-changing potential. Surveys reveal that German customers prioritize affordable prices, rapid service, and product variety when buying medicines online. dm’s upcoming platform aims to meet these expectations.
What impact will dm’s pharmacy have on Germany’s healthcare?